MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (6-5, 0-3 NSIC) fell to Concordia-St. Paul (7-2, 2-1 NSIC) 89-77 on Saturday at Bresnan Arena. Despite outscoring the visitors 46-42 in the second half, the Mavericks were unable to overcome a 16-point deficit from the first half.

Minnesota State began the first half with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 20 points inside. Senior Malcolm Jones was pivotal, contributing with multiple layups and defensive rebounds. However, turnovers were a challenge, with the team committing 11, allowing their opponents to capitalize on fast breaks.

Concordia-St. Paul capitalized on Minnesota State's turnovers to seize an early advantage, converting 11 turnovers into 15 points in the opening half. They maintained pressure with their three-point shooting, hitting six from beyond the arc. As the half concluded, Minnesota State found themselves down 47–31, looking for a way to tighten up their defense and improve ball security.

Opening the second half, Minnesota State received a layup from junior Traijan Sain, but the visitors quickly answered with a 3-pointer, maintaining their lead. Freshman Colton Benson responded with a 3-pointer for the Mavericks, contributing to a back-and-forth scoring sequence. 

Midway through the half, Minnesota State chipped away at the deficit by converting free throws and scoring in the paint, with sophomore Will Opsahl and Jones making key contributions. Despite these efforts, the visitors maintained a narrow lead, aided by their successful free throws and layups.

As the half progressed, Minnesota State continued to fight back with a notable layup by junior Caden Kirkman and a 3-pointer from Opsahl, narrowing the gap. However, the visitors managed to hold the lead, closing the game ahead despite the Mavericks' increased offensive efforts.

Opsahl led the team with 19 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, and recorded two steals. Sain also contributed 19 points, converting all six of his free-throw attempts and adding five rebounds. Jones added 14 points and collected seven rebounds. Kirkman recorded five assists and posted five rebounds.

Sam West led Concordia-St. Paul with 22 points, hitting 9 of 16 from the field, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc. He also contributed with five assists and five steals, while collecting eight rebounds. Ben Kopetzki added 26 points, converting 9 of 16 field goals and a perfect 6 of 6 from the free-throw line, while recording two steals. Ryan Johnson posted 15 points, was effective from the line with 6 of 7 free throws, and led the team with three steals and four assists.

Concordia-St. Paul maintained a slight edge over Minnesota State in the second half, closing with a 46-42 advantage. The Mavericks capitalized on turnovers, scoring 13 points off mistakes, while also securing 15 points from the bench. Despite their efforts, including shooting 94 percent from the free-throw line, the visitors' 18 rebounds and four steals helped preserve their lead at the end of the half.

In their next game, Minnesota State will host Wayne State on Thursday, Dec. 11. The matchup is set for 5:30 p.m. at Taylor Center.